Overhead Crane Purchase Guide for New Buyers

02 Sep.,2024

 

Overhead Crane Purchase Guide for New Buyers

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 overhead crane in use

Overhead crane overview

An overhead crane also known as bridge crane, overhead travelling crane, or industrial crane is a material handling machine which lifts, lowers, and transport a load horizontally. Typically, an overhead crane involves a hook-and-line mechanism that moves along a horizontal beam which moves on a runway beam, the supporting structure.
Overhead canes are heavy duty material handling equipment with high lifting capacities for transporting load. Overhead crane travel is directed by an operator, either manually or with a wired pendant station or wireless controls. Typically, overhead crane is used for the multi-directional movement of materials to help manufacturing, storing, loading or unloading works inside a facility or outside in a yard, or at a railway, or shipping port, and other application environments.

Overhead crane components

Generally, the overhead crane is consisted of three main parts, the crane bridge, the hoist or trolley, and the runway. The crane bridge is the part which traverses across the runway. The hoist or trolley is the lifting mechanism which traverses across the crane bridge and lifts vertically.
The runway is tied to the building structure. Besides, there are other parts are involved, showing in the following diagram for your reference.

Double Girder Overhead Crane componets drawing

Basic crane terminology

Crane capacity: The maximum weight the overhead crane is required to handle.
Crane span: The horizontal distance between the rails of runway on which the crane travels.
Lift or hook height:The distance from the floor to the crane hook, which determines the height of the runway from the floor and is subjected to the clear inside height of the building.
Bridge, trolley and lift speeds: The rate at which the bridge or trolley runs or at which the hoist lifts. Dual speeds are available.
Crane bridge: The main travelling structure of overhead crane which is consisted of two end trucks and one or two bridged girders varying with the type of the crane.
End trucks: The end trucks is located on both sides of the span. The end trucks house the wheels on which the crane runs.
Bridge girder(s)&#;Bridge girder is the principal horizontal beam of the crane bridge which is supported by the end trucks. The bridge girder of the crane is meat to support the trolley.
Trolley hoist: The trolley hoist is consisted of hoist and the trolley frame. According to the lifting requirements, one or more hoist can be installed, which can be supplied on the same trolley or on separate trolleys.
Trolley: The trolley takes the hoist across the bay along bridge girder(s) traversing the span.
Hoist: Hoist is mounted to the trolley and is the main lifting equipment together with the crane hook or other lifting attachment.

Overhead crane configuration

Overhead crane mainly have two configurations: Top running overhead cranes and under running overhead cranes.

Top running overhead cranes

The top running overhead crane or bridge crane refers to the crane which has the bridge travel on the top of rails mounted on a runway beam supported by either the building columns or columns specifically engineered for the crane. The top running overhead crane or bridge crane is the most common crane configuration with the feature that the crane loads are transmitted to the supporting columns or free standing structure and with the advantage of minimum head room and maximum height of lift.


  

Top running overhead crane 

Classification of top running overhead cranes

Top running overhead cranes can be further classified into single girder, double girder, and box girder overhead crane or bridge crane in terms of girder types.
single girder overhead crane or bridge crane is consisted of two end trucks, trolley hoist unit and a single bridge girder, on the bottom flange of which the trolley runs on.
Single girder overhead crane designed for your application can be cost-effective. Single girder overhead crane has lower wheel loads so that it will save on new support structures and it will also allow you to add more lifting capabilities to your runway structure without upgrading.
Double girder overhead crane or bridge crane is consisted of two end trucks, trolley hoist unit and two bridge girders, on the top of which located the rails on which the trolley runs.
Double girder overhead crane provides better hook height for the hoist of the double girder overhead crane is mounted on top of the bridge rather than underneath.
Box girder overhead crane or bridge crane is a crane equipped on a girder formed by multiple walls in the shape of enclosed tube, rather than on an I-beam or H-beam.
Box girder overhead crane is used for heavy duty material handling with the feature of extremely rigidity and durability.

Under running overhead cranes

Under-running or under-hung overhead crane or bridge crane has the end trucks ride on the bottom flange of the runway, which is usually suspended from the roof, with no need of extra floor columns for the support of the runway. The under-running or under-hung overhead crane has the advantage of taking no floor space and saving cost for supporting system. Moreover, an under-running or under-hung overhead crane can be applied to the sloped ceilings or multiple crane systems.

Under running overhead crane

Classification of under-running or under-hang overhead crane

In terms of crane girder, the under-running or under-hang overhead cranes can be grouped into single girder, double girder and box girder overhead cranes.
Single girder under running overhead crane provides you a cost effective material handling solution for it can save new support structure because of its reduced wheel loads, which also makes it possible to add more lifting capabilities without upgradation.
Double girder under running overhead crane is usually used for handling loads over 25 tons, which is usually provided with a complete material handling solution. Double Girder Cranes provides a higher lifting height for the crane hook travels between the beams, comparing with that of the single girder overhead crane.

Overhead crane comparison -top running Vs. under running

To choose the top running or under running overhead crane is mainly determined by two factors:

  • Capacity: Even though the under running overhead crane can be up to 25 ton capacity, the practical limit is more like 15 tons.
  • Support structure: Under running overhead crane can be suspended directly from the overhead steel for the lighter duty crane. Top running overhead cranes needs a bracket off the building support steel (up to 10 tons capacity) or independent columns for larger capacities.

Top running overhead crane configuration is best used when headroom is an issue. Double girder top running configuration is the most space efficient one. Whereas when the headroom is not an issue a top or under running configuration can be either single girder or double girder.

Overhead crane application

Overhead crane or bridge crane can be applied for material handling in various situations and industries, such as, Automotive, Beverage, Chemicals, Commercial printing, Manufacturing, Newspaper, Paper, Steel and warehousing and distribution, etc.

  • Assembly: Overhead cranes are used to move the products through production processes.
  • Transportation: Overhead cranes are used to transport the finished products onto open trailers or other vehicles.
  • Staging: Holding work-in-process for additional production processes.
  • Storage: Overhead crane also can be used to transport heavy item into or out of the storage area.
  • Warehousing: Heavy items can be moved with overhead cranes to and from docks.

Overhead cane advantages

Overhead crane are most applied material handling equipment for the following advantages:

  • Adaptable: Due to overhead crane cane be operated on any plant floor surface and also because they can be modified to accommodate changing needs, overhead cranes provide high adaptability.
  • Customizable: Customized overhead cranes are available. The below hook attachments, riggings, and other special material handling tool to deal with the variety of loads.
  • Comfortableness: The design of overhead cranes takes the comfortableness of crane operators into consideration, which would improve the efficiency and safety in the working area.
  • Efficiency: Overhead cranes lift loads up and over obstacles with high efficiency without navigating back and forth through aisles.
  • Load control: Radio remote control, pendant pushbutton control, and driver&#;s cabin control are also at your choice for your overhead cranes.
  • Lower maintenance costs: Adopting with advanced technologies and offered in a variety of usage of capacity ratings, overhead cranes need less maintenance comparing with other lifting equipment.
  • Positioning: The overhead cranes can place the loads to an exact location with high precision.
  • Reduce labor cost: A set of single overhead crane can replace many forklifts and cover a large work area.
  • Lower damage to loads: With soft start features, wide selection of speed options, and a variety of handling tools or riggings, the loads can be safely handled.
  • Safety: Varity of safety measures are installed on overhead cranes to ensure the safety of your lifting equipment, crane operator and loads, etc.
  • Higher lifting height: Overhead cranes can provide you a higher lifting height with higher efficiency.

Overhead crane controls

Overhead crane control 

Overhead crane control controls your crane safety and reliability. Flexible and reliable control for overhead crane are very important. Usually, the following controls are frequently used on overhead cranes.

  • Pendant control: The pendant overhead control can give the crane operator precise control over the motion of the crane. According to the different functions, the pendant control has different configurations. The pendant control could be either suspended from the Trolley Hoist, which requires the crane operator to walk with and beside the load or on a separate sliding track system allowing the operator to move independently of the load.
  • VFD: A pendant overhead crane control can also be used in conjunction with a Variable Frequency Drive, which controls the motion for smooth acceleration and deceleration by varying the frequency of motors. The VFD controls could be highly customized.
  • Radio control: The radio control for overhead crane is just like the pendant control except the operator uses a radio frequency instead of pendant. The radio control has higher safety feature and also provide the operator a wider range of operating motions that a pendant.
  • Power supply: The electrical power supply in the building should be matched with the designed rate of overhead crane.
  • Electrical cabin: The electrical components of overhead crane could be placed and protected in the control cabin.
  • Safety: The safety of the overhead crane is ensured by protection against accidental contact, electrical shock, enclosed equipment, and indoor protection against dirt, dust, oil and water, and, etc.

Overhead crane runways

Overhead crane runway

  • The runway of overhead cranes refers to the rails, beams and columns on which the crane operates.
  • The crane rails is where the end trucks travel, and is fixed on the runway beam,
  • The runway beam is supported on the columns of top running overhead crane or from the roof structure of under running overhead crane.
  • During the design of crane runway system, the existing building columns can be taken advantages. By then, it is important to provide the down shop center to center spacing between them.
  • And also, the conductors are mounted to the runway beam, which supply power to the overhead crane.

How to choose your overhead crane

Generally the lifting capacity of the overhead cranes decides the types of crane girders: single, double and box girder. The single girder overhead is designed for handling loads of about 20 tons and the double girder and box girder overhead crane can be used to handling materials above 20 tons.

To choose the right material handling solution is critical. Therefore the customized or tailored overhead are manufactured. However, how to find out the best type of overhead crane for your application? The most suitable overhead crane should be selected out based on the specific application conditions and your building dimensions if the building has been constructed. The following tips is given for your reference to find your best cranes.

  • Load capacity: The maximum weight of your loads should not exceed the rated lifting capacity of your crane.
  • Crane span: The span or width of the crane system is important to decide the size of the overhead crane.
  • Working frequency: The operational frequency of your crane will be used to define the crane classification needed for your application.
  • Supporting systems: Usually, the overhead crane is supported by runway structures, attached to workshop building or the overhead crane could be supported on a free standing runway set up specifically for the crane.
  • In order to give you a better understanding of what should be considered on choose an overhead crane, the top running double girder overhead crane are taken for an example for your references

 

1. Crane lifting capacity   2. Lifting height of crane. 3. Runways height.  4. Clearance required. 5. Building width.

6. Crane span. 7. Building height. 8. Runway size and length. 9. Hook approach & end approach 10. Hoist speed

11. Bridge gravel speed 12. Trolley travel speed. 13. Electrical requirements. 14. Control requirements.
 

 Overhead crane maintenance

Overhead crane maintenace

As there many parts of the bridge crane, for different technical characteristics of the various components, in the actual work they will generally be maintained into periodic check in weeks.

  • Check the nut, cotter pins, positioning plate on the brakes whether it is complete, lose or not, lever and spring is free of cracks, pin bolts on the wheel and the brake washer is loose cushion, or complete; if it is reliable when the brake is open. The opening of the movable tiles should be less than 1.0mm and the distance across the gap between the brake drum should be equal, each axle pin may not have stuck phenomenon.
  • Checking the rope on the winding drum and the pulley is normal or not, is there any phenomenons such as jumping from slot, channeling, knotting, twisting and so on. Whether rope plate bolts are tightened and has a double nut locking device or not.
  • Checking the installation of the safety switch and limit switch are accurate, flexible and reliable, especially the rise limit is reliable.
  • Checking all lubrication points is in a good condition.
  • Check if it is lost or shortage of the fastening screws on coupling closures of the lifting mechanism.
  • Checking the track to confirm that no foreign body to obstruct running of the overhead crane.
  • If there is any abnormal noise on the transmission of the overhead crane.


 

Buyer Guide for Overhead Crane: How to Buy an Overhead ...

Buyer Guide for Overhead Crane: How to Buy an Overhead Crane


How to buy an overhead crane for your particular use at cost-effective price? Check what to consider & how to confirm your bridge crane specifications?

An overheadcrane is a massive investment, and the choice to buy one has long-term effects. As crucial as making the decision itself is thoroughly evaluating the requirements a bridgecrane must meet. You'll stay on the right track if you follow these advice.

Confirm the purpose of the overhead crane

Is the electric overhead crane designed for a regular industrial material handling or perhaps particularly designed with unique features for special loads handling, like storing paper rolls? Your operations' nature should constantly be taken into account. There are many different types of overhead cranes available, and alternative features can be incorporated to suit a variety of applications and industries.

List the fundamental requirements.

The fundamental requirements, such as capacity, duty class, span, and lift height, ought to be confirmed clearly. The surrounding environmental factors, such as,the temperature, must also be considered. Facilities might be visited in order to assess the working environment and its specific requirements if necessary.

Determine whether any more additionalfeatures are necessary.

We offer a huge range of extra features for bridge cranes such as,radio remote control, Variable lifting speeds, or Sway Control and Target Positioning, etc. These characteristics can improve a crane's productivity and performance.

Your Trusted Overhead Travelling Crane Manufacturer & Supplier

How to Buy Overhead Cranes for Your Use?

Factors to consider to buy a bridge crane

An overhead crane is a basic material handling lifting equipmentthat eliminates the need for humans to lift and move objects manually. An electric crane hoistusedto lift the load, a girder or beam, and a trolley to move along the girder are the basic components of an overhead crane.

Manufacturing floors frequently offer little room for workers. overhead crane systems, installed on the top of facilities are ideal for workshops or facilities that have limitedfloors space . With support columns , it willtake littlevaluable floor space. With ceiling mounted design, overhead cranes can freely completely avoid any occupying of floor space.

Consultation with a knowledgeable architect or engineer is the first step in determining whether an overhead crane is the best option for your business. Professionals are the best experts to decide whether a building structure can support the crane system. In order to ensure that the bridge crane is engineered optimally and that a well-engineered turnkey solution is sought after, it is crucial that all purchasers engage openly with the crane manufacturer and freely give them with all relevant information.

We'll now talk about the numerous factors that can helpa buyer to make wise investments and purchase the suitable material handling overhead crane.

Type of overhead cranes

Different kinds of electric overhead cranes can lift a variety of loads. Some of the most common overhead crane types are listed below.

  • Single-girder electrically operated/ semi-electric/ hand-operated overhead cranes.
  • Double-girder electrically operated/ semi-electric/ hand-operated overhead cranes.
  • Gantry crane including single or double-girder cranes gantry cranes & semi-gantry cranes.
  • Special cranes. Custom overhead crane with special below hook devices, such as, magnets, grab bucket, c coil, sheet lifter, c hook, etc.

Single girder overhead crane
500 kg-20 ton overhead crane top running

Double girder overhead crane
3 ton -320 ton overhead crane top running

Underhung overhead cranes
500kg-10 ton overhead crane underhung design

The first two types of overhead craneare usually employed in indoor applications, but the third type ofgantry crane, is typically usedin outdoor applications.Single girder cranes are used for lighter loads handling with capacity up to 20 ton, and double girder cranes are used for heavier loads handling with capacity up to 100 ton with standard design and with builtin design, the capacity can be up to 320 ton.

Location

An overheadcrane may be found indoors and outdoors, . It's crucial that the buyer appropriately specifies this. Specifying this is crucial since an outdoor overhead crane must be constructed taking wind pressures into account. If the buyer provided more information than just "outside," such as the location's climate, the designer would be able to design the crane with the greatest efficiency. In addition to the wind loads, epoxy painting may be required on the crane if it operates in a coastal region rather than conventional synthetic enamel paint. This might also apply to indoor duty cranes working in an alkaline or acidic environment.

Safe working load with proper below hook devices

The maximum weight that could be lifted by the crane hook is known as the safe working load. If a magnet, "C" hook, grab, ladle, or any other equipment is going to be used with the crane, its dead weight needs to be added to the weight of loadsso that the safe working load of the crane may be calculated. Never include safety features that go beyond what was previously stipulated, as this would overengineer the crane and increase expenses. Futher information on How to calculate the lifting capacity of your overhead crane? 

Class of duty

Overhead bridge crane can be classified into different working duty. The price would increase in direct proportion to the level of duty. Crane mechanisms vary depending on their use as well. While the overheadcrane is always accessible, it should be kept in mind that no overheadcrane ever runs continuously at its rated load and speed. The use of the electriccrane, as well as its frequency and pattern of use, largely determine the class of duty. The buyer should ideally offer a load spectrum.

This would be too hard, so the class of duty should be determined after thoroughly describing the crane's application to the manufacturer. Maximum consideration should be given to this factor because the choice of the class of duty would not only influence the crane's cost but also have an impact on all other factors mentioned above.

Speeds

The usage and application of the crane directly affect the choice of speeds. Increased speeds (in situations where they are not necessary) would result in higher power ratings for the motors, raising the cost of the crane as well as its owningand operation expenses.

Control system

There are numerous control options available, including fixed cabin controls, mobile cabin controls, radio remote controls, and more. Again, the application determines the proper choice.

Hook approaches and end approaches

No overhead crane allows the hook to be in line with the column or extend all the way to the end of the workshop. In other words, it is impossible to prevent some built-up area loss. In order to maximize the use of the built-up space, the optimum approachwould be to minimize this loss. The overhead crane must be designed optimallywhich will largelydepend on the duty class selected. We emphasize once more the requirement for the buyer and the manufacturer to properly comprehend the application and using requirements because the crane working dutyis entirely dependent upon the application. More information on What Is Crane Coverage & Hook Coverage of Your Overhead Cranes?

Crane span of bridge crane

Lifting height of overhead crane

Crane runway and overhead travelling distance

Crane headroom

This is defined as the crane's highest point above the long travel rail top. The lower this dimension, the lower the building height could be. This, too, is determined by the class of duty, which is determined by the application. A lower building height would undoubtedly lower construction costs.

Hook headroom

This is the distance between the hook's highest elevation and the long travel rail top. This should be kept to a minimum in order to optimize column height and reduce building costs. For a given crane, the sum of dimensions six and seven would be constant. As a result, if the crane is to be installed in an existing shop, this sum could be distributed in order to maximize shed utilization. Further information on What is Overhead Crane's Lift Height, Headroom & C-dimension?

Crane lifting height and hook approach will affect your overhead crane working coverage

C Dimension

Crane headroom

Wheel loads

The higher the wheel load for a given crane, the heavier the crane and trolley. This has an immediate impact on the gantry girder, column design, and foundation. It is a common misconception that a heavier crane is stronger and safer. As long as the crane is designed to meet all of the relevant IS specifications, the weight of the crane and trolley should not be used to determine the crane's strength and safety. In fact, the buyer should choose the crane with the minimum wheel loads.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Crane Rail.

Down shop leads and LT rails

The power supply system used to power the crane is known as down shop leads. There are several systems that could be used. The safest system is shrouded busbars, which provide maximum safety while having no effect on end approaches. Bus bars must be chosen based on the connected load. If multiple cranes are to be operated, the connected loads of all such cranes must be taken into account when determining the busbar rating. As a result, the buyer must provide this information. The same is true for LT rail selection.

Owning and operating costs

A crane is always installed at a height of 6 m or higher above the floor level. As a result, a crane that requires little maintenance should be preferred. This goal can be met by providing leak-proof gearboxes, lifelong lubricated bearings, appropriately selected wire rope, and optimally selected electrics.

Other factors

  • Provision for a full-length platform on both girders,
  • hydraulic or spring buffers.
  • Underbridge lighting installation.
  • Closed, glazed, and air-conditioned cabin provision

It is crucial to thoroughly assess the requirement for all of the aforementioned additional features.

After the parameters are confirmed, suppliers must be chosen in order to get quotes.

Any workshop that needs to save valuable workspace while handling materials efficiently should give overhead cranes serious consideration. However, due to the variety of overhead crane alternatives available, careful evaluation and consultation should be made before making a purchase. The crane solution you choose must actually be the best fit for your company's requirements.

Selection parameters

Making the appropriate overhead crane choice is essential to simplifying operations and increasing output. Following are 12 parameters that consumers can use to select a well-designed and reasonably priced lifting overhead cranesolution:

  • Correct determination of the necessary crane type.
  • The location is chosen (indoors, outdoors, or both).
  • The safe working load selectedis reasonably.
  • the duty class is in accordance with the application.
  • The speeds are suitable for the intended use.
  • The control system complies with the requirements of the application.
  • The hook and end approaches are kept to a minimum to maximize retail space utilization.
  • The crane headroom is kept to a minimum to lower the shop height.
  • The hook head room is minimal in order to raise the lift's height.
  • Wheel loads are kept to a minimum, allowing for the smallest possible gantry girder and column sizes, which lowers building and foundation costs.
  • It is necessary to determine the LT Rails and Down Shop Leads.
  • The costs of crane buyingand operation are minimal.

Choosing the right vendor

  • Experience including clientele, years in operation, the number of cranes now produced each year, and technical collaborations or tie-ups, if any.
  • Existing design team and their background.
  • Manufacturing facilities with handling capacity and skilled, knowledgeable artisans and managers.
  • Subcontractors and their level of technical expertise.
  • In-house load testing capability, including a test pit and calibrated test loads.
  • Shot blasting and a separate paint booth should be included in the surface treatment and painting facility.
  • Experienced, empowered, and independent Quality Assurance Team.
  • Dedicated after-sales and servicing personnel.
  • Quick and constant availability of spare parts.
  • Adherence to industrial standards for safety and environmental friendliness.

There are numerous things to think about before buying an overhead crane in order to get the best overhead crane. Usually, the facility you buy has a positive impact on safety and production. In order to save money and get the best overhead crane for your application, you need definitely think about a few factors before purchasing an overhead crane. After talking about the things needs to consider before buying an overhead crane, the following buyer guide is presented for your reference.

Your Trusted Overhead Travelling Crane Manufacturer & Supplier

0.5 Ton- 320 Ton Bridge Crane for Sale

Guide to Buy an Overhead Crane

  • 1. Number of cranes : ___________
  • 2. Type of crane : 3. Capacity : ___________ Kg or : ___________Lb
  • 4. Span : ___________ M
  • 5. Lifting height required : ___________ (Max. including pits or wells below the floor level)
  • 6. Approximate length of the crane runway : ___________
  • 7. Number of cranes on the runway : ___________
  • 8. Name of company : __________________________________________
  • 9. Person in charge : __________________________________________
  • 10. Contact details : __________________________________________

Detailed Information OverheadCrane Buying Guide

I. Customer Information

Name

Customer Company

Address

II. Application Occasion

Lifting material

Temperature

Highest temperature

_______&#;

Lowest temperature

_______&#;

Environment

Inflammable

YES

NO

Explosive

YES

NO

III. Bridge Crane Specification

Underhung crane -single girder crane design 

Top running overhead crane- single girder crane design 

Top running overhead crane -double girder crane design 

Crane drawing for you to confirm the overhead crane specifications

SPECIFICATION

Option

Types of Bridge Cranes

A.Top running B. Underhung running

Beam Configuration

A. Single Beam B. Double Beam

Capacity(ton)

Main hook

Auxiliary hook

Speed(m/min)

Main hook

A. Single ____ B. Double ____ /____ C. Inverter Control ____--____

Auxiliary hook

A. Single ____ B. Double ____ /____ C. Inverter Control ____--____

Cross travel

A. Single ____ B. Inverter Control ___--____

Long travel

A. Single ____ B. Inverter Control ____--____

Working Class

Main hook

A. M3 B. M4 C. M5 D. M6 E. M7 F. M8

Auxiliary hook

A. M3 B. M4 C. M5 D. M6 E. M7 F. M8

Cross travel

A. M3 B. M4 C. M5 D. M6 E. M7 F. M8

Long travel

A. M3 B. M4 C. M5 D. M6 E. M7 F. M8

Industrial Voltage

____V ___Hz 3phases

Control Mode

A. Remote Control B. Pendent Line Button Control C. Cabin Control

Hook Attached Accessory

A. C-hook B. Grab Bucket C. Magnet D. Magnet spreader E. Ladle D. Other____

We are a modern manufacturer of European standard cranes. The business maintains its focus on the advancements in cutting-edge technology and European-style crane improvements. Based on the design of European standard cranes, each of our overhead cranes offers low headroom, light weight, exceptional free maintenance performance, continual working efficiency, advanced configuration, galvanized steel rope, disc brake for lifting safety, hardened reducer, PLC lifting limit switch, etc. These features make our overhead cranes cutting-edge in the Chinese crane industry.

According to the customer's industrial requirements and application conditions, electric overhead cranes can designed into top running cranes, under running cranes, double girder cranes, and single girder cranes. Get a free quotation on overhead crane today!

Article by Bella

&#;who has been in the hoist and crane field since . Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.


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